Clinicians at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust have used high-intensity, focused ultrasound waves for the first time in the UK to treat patients with debilitating tremors, avoiding traditional, invasive brain surgery techniques.

A new study published in the journal Brain has shed new light on the genetics behind essential tremor, which is frequently misdiagnosed as Parkinson's disease. Understanding the differences between both diseases is key to reducing the prevalence of medical mistakes. Here’s everything you need to know about both diseases.

Stereotactic radiosurgery is an important non-invasive treatment for contralateral tremor relief and control in elderly and those considered high risk for deep-brain stimulation (DBS) and radiofrequency thalamotomy (RFT). Previous studies of gamma knife thalamotomy (GKT) for tremor indicate a clinical improvement in the range of 60-90%. The purpose of this study is to further analyze the safety and effectiveness of GKT for a large cohort of patients afflicted with tremor.

Four years ago, Helen Moser noticed her hands would start to shake at random moments. “It’s just an uncontrollable motion,” Moser described. Sensing something was wrong, she went to see neurologist, a movement disorders specialist. After ordering a brain scan, the diagnosis was clear: Moser had essential tremor, the most common type of movement disorder.